Dark Cherry Bourbon BBQ Ribs
If you want a rib recipe that makes people stop talking and start eating, these Dark Cherry Bourbon BBQ Ribs deliver bold flavor with the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory.
The rich cherry notes combined with the subtle warmth of bourbon create a deep BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully over slow-grilled ribs. As the sauce cooks, it forms a sticky, glossy coating that locks in flavor while creating the irresistible BBQ bark rib lovers crave.
Using Big Dog Dark Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce, this recipe is simple enough for backyard grilling but bold enough to feel like a pitmaster creation.
These ribs are perfect for:
• backyard cookouts
• summer BBQ parties
• weekend grilling
• family gatherings
Whether you’re hosting friends or just firing up the grill for dinner, this recipe delivers unforgettable flavor.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
• 2 racks pork baby back ribs
• 1 cup Big Dog Dark Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
Dry seasoning
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
Optional garnish
• chopped parsley
• fresh cherries (for presentation)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the seasoning and smoke flavor penetrate the meat.
Pat the ribs dry and brush lightly with olive oil.
2. Season the Ribs
In a small bowl mix:
• brown sugar
• smoked paprika
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• salt
• black pepper
Rub the seasoning generously over both sides of the ribs.
Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes while the grill heats.
3. Preheat the Grill
Prepare your grill for indirect heat at 300°F.
Place the ribs bone-side down away from direct flame.
Close the lid and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes.
4. Add the Dark Cherry Bourbon Sauce
Brush a generous layer of Big Dog Dark Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce over the ribs.
Continue cooking for 20–30 minutes, brushing additional sauce every 10 minutes.
The sauce will begin to caramelize and form a sticky glaze.
5. Finish and Rest
Remove the ribs from the grill and allow them to rest for 5–10 minutes.
Slice between the bones and serve with extra sauce on the side.
Pitmaster Tips
Low and Slow is Key
Cooking ribs slowly allows the connective tissue to break down, giving you tender meat that pulls cleanly from the bone.
Sauce at the End
Apply BBQ sauce during the final stage of cooking so the sugars caramelize without burning.
Indirect Heat Works Best
Keeping ribs away from direct flames prevents flare-ups and ensures even cooking.
Perfect Side Dishes
Serve these ribs with classic backyard BBQ favorites:
• grilled corn on the cob
• creamy coleslaw
• baked beans
• potato salad
• grilled vegetables
These sides balance the rich flavor of the cherry bourbon glaze.
Featured Ingredient
Big Dog Dark Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce
This sauce blends the sweetness of dark cherries with the smooth warmth of bourbon to create a bold BBQ glaze perfect for ribs, pork chops, chicken, and grilled meats.
The flavor develops beautifully on the grill, creating a sticky caramelized coating that BBQ lovers crave.
Bold flavor. Real ingredients. No fillers.
Try This Recipe at Your Next Backyard BBQ
Once you serve these Dark Cherry Bourbon BBQ Ribs, they quickly become the recipe everyone asks for.
Fire up the grill, grab your favorite Big Dog sauce, and enjoy a backyard BBQ classic.
Now that we fed you… you’re family.